What makes The New Zapp IV U by Zapp notable?

The album is particularly notable for its hit single, Computer Love, which became a seminal track in the evolution of hip-hop sampling and has been extensively referenced in contemporary music. Additionally, it helped to further popularize the use of synthesizers in funk music during the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, The New Zapp IV U was Zapp's fourth album, following their successful 1984 release, Zapp III. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their signature sound, combining funk grooves with electronic elements, largely influenced by lead vocalist Roger Troutman's innovative use of the talk box.

How many songs are on The New Zapp IV U?

The New Zapp IV U has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The New Zapp IV U

Zapp · 1985

43 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk and electro beats, pulsating with synth melodies and playful vocals that define the era's sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Computer Love — This track is a cornerstone of Zapp's legacy, showcasing their pioneering blend of funk and electronic elements while influencing a generation of artists who sampled it.
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It Doesn't Really Matter — This opening track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its catchy hooks and rhythmic groove, setting the tone for the entire record.
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I Only Have Eyes for You — This cover transforms the classic ballad into an electro-funk masterpiece, demonstrating Zapp's ability to reinterpret existing songs through their unique sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and electro with catchy vocals, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track that sets a consistent groove, followed by the hit single 'Computer Love', which features prominent synth melodies.
Each track incorporates playful vocal delivery, often layered with harmonies and call-and-response elements typical of funk.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 It Doesn't Really Matter 5:28
2 Computer Love 4:52
3 Itchin' for Your Twitchin' 4:08
4 Radio People 5:55
5 I Only Have Eyes for You 4:42
6 Rock 'n' Roll 4:50
7 Cas-Ta-Spellome 3:34
8 Make Me Feel Good 5:17
9 Ja Ready to Rock 4:12

What to play next

Listen next

Zapp Vibe

1989

Go back to

Zapp III

1983

Full Zapp discography Artists like Zapp

electro funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata